Whenever we talk about Microsoft certifications, we're spanning an exceptionally wide range. To some people 'Microsoft' training usually means mastering software packages, and to others it indicates getting higher level IT accreditations to operate as a professional in the I.T. market. When you're contemplating any kind of training course it is a good idea to first look at exactly what you want to get from it - put simply why did you begin trying to find training in the first place? We constantly advise that if you plan to go after I.T. as a career, have a balanced careers conversation with an appropriate advisor, to make sure you do not waste either your money or time.

Whether you are seeking to gain an entry level knowledge of these systems and packages, or a full professional level understanding to help you support others, there are many accreditations which could help. For in-depth training regarding how to get the most from 'Office' yourself, consider the 'Microsoft Office Specialist' ('MOS') or the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS). A degree up from 'MOS' & 'MCAS' is MCDST - Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician, which provides you with the skill set to support others in an office.

There are many more specialised and higher qualification tracks if your aim is to become a senior IT more advanced. Microsoft have just lately revamped their accreditation structure, and while you will still find many routes based on the MCP accreditations, we are more and more looking at the move to MCITP ('Microsoft Certified IT Professional') & MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) programs. Generally, the 'MCTS' qualifications are taken en-route to the full 'MCITP' program.

'Structured Query Language' or SQL is a specific 'language' for interrogating 'Databases'. SQL is relevant to how information is stored on a Database and extracted out of it. Consequently an understanding of the 'language' is critical for anybody looking for a professional level Database career. Developers (DBD's) setup & design databases for Administrators ('DBA's') to manage, interrogate and generate reports on the information. Quite a number of Developers are programmers as well, & can write software programs for databases in either 'C#' or VB.

Corporate communications internationally are led by Microsoft Networking & Server Operating-Systems. 'Windows Server' is utilised as the standard operating platform in around 80 - 90 per cent of office networks. It started off as NT server but it has been improved over the years to 'Server 2000', 'Server 2003' and most recently Server 2008. A significant number of companies still use 2003 as their operating platform, and don't intend to change. It's more probable that platform up-grades to Server 2008 will be needed by businesses that have to bypass a generation or two, from NT or 2000. Further discussion regarding 'Server 2003' & '2008' can be found on our dedicated 'MCSE' and 'MCSA' training pages, where you'll also learn more about Microsoft Network & Server Operating-Systems.

The primary 'Windows' software program development environment is known as MS 'Visual Studio'. They provide a variety of 'languages', with 'C#.Net' and VB.Net ('Visual Basic') being the most extensively used. Each of them are featured on the Programming pages on this website. Principle accreditations are the MCTS & MCPD (as they have superseded the earlier MCAD & 'MCSD'.)

The main areas that 'Microsoft' offers accreditation paths for are generally relevant to their core systems. They are 1) Network & Server Operating-Systems, 2) Programming and Software Development within the 'Windows' environment, and 3) Database Administration and Development. For further information and facts on the particulars of each training-route & certification group, investigate the principal sections applicable to each one on this web-site.

Microsoft means the operating-system 'Windows' to most people who use PCs. It could also suggest Microsoft Office, which provides us with a selection of common-place PC applications. The most familiar application is probably MS Word, which is a program for word-processing. 'Excel' is also a remarkably popular program for spread-sheets, followed by Access which allows us to make databases. If we add the 'PowerPoint' presentations software we finalise the key components generally related to the 'Office' group. There is nevertheless a lot more to Office as a whole, for example 'Microsoft' Outlook serves as a diary, e-mail and messaging-system.

The drive towards greater professional recognition & proficiency for IT employees has been championed by MS for quite some time now. Because of this the entire IT world & particularly senior management view professional level MS certifications with great respect.

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